3 Types Of Driver To Avoid While On The Road

Posted by at 24 October 2021, at 12 : 44 PM

3 Types Of Driver To Avoid While On The Road

Driving is not a simple pastime. You’ve got a lot to focus on – your path to your destination, the driving conditions, and not least of all your control of the car. To some extent, all of these can be controlled by your personal choice, but there is one random factor that we never have any choice in – the drivers with whom we share the road. Most drivers are perfectly capable and can be relied upon to drive responsibly. Unfortunately, what most drivers do is always going to be irrelevant when you get one dangerous idiot in the mix.

It’s useful to be able to spot these drivers. The sooner you can see them, the more time (and, in a car, consequently the more distance) you have to take the action you need to take. Sometimes, you’ll be able to change lanes or even take an alternative route. Whichever evasive action you take, rest assured that by giving these drivers a wide berth – and reporting them as soon as possible – you’ll be able to arrive at your destination calmly and in one piece.

Drunk (or apparently drunk) drivers

People who are driving under the influence of an intoxicant don’t all behave in the same way, but there are some telltale signs that it’s worth looking out for. The most important thing to remember is that drunk drivers will drive badly in an inconsistent way. They may drive too fast for a while, then become aware that they are speeding, and slow down to an exaggerated degree. They will have poor lane discipline, and are likely to drift and then jerk the car back into something approximating a straight line. Just remember that drunk drivers – like anyone who is drunk – won’t always be reckless. They’ll sometimes be overly cautious, and that can be as big a problem.

Drivers who ignore signs and signals

The penalty in your state for running a red light will vary compared to other states, but what’s more important for you as a conscientious driver is what running a red means. A driver who is ignoring traffic signals is a danger to everyone around them, and could leave you looking for a car accident lawyer if you get close to them. If they’re ignoring hard-coded rules, then they’re unlikely to observe other minutiae relating to road use – for example, they’re probably not going to give you two car-lengths of buffer zone when at a stop signal. Be ready to report any such driver to the police if necessary, because they probably won’t come to their senses on their own.

Drivers carrying an uneven or unsecured load

It’s not uncommon to see a car out on the highway with a roof rack or box fitted, making the most of their vehicle’s ability to carry heavy weights. The average car can usually safely carry a pretty substantial load, but it’s not just about how heavily it’s laden. If items seem to be improperly secured, are slipping or are dangerously close to the road, then it just takes one moment for them to become lethal to the occupants of that car and any that are near it. Drivers such as these should always be reported to the authorities, as loose items on the highway can cause a multi-car pile-up.

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